Losing a close game can be heartbreaking but it can also be a good learning experience.
Kwalikum Kondors were narrowly beaten 72-67 by Brooks Secondary in AA North Island League basketball action at home on Tuesday night.
For head coach Taylor Wilson, the loss wasn’t important. What he liked was the way the Kondors played throughout the game.
“We lost a close one, but I am very happy with how the boys competed,” said Taylor. “They are learning the level that they need to bring to each and every game.”
The Kondors were only down a point at half 38-37. In the third quarter, the Kondors stayed within striking distance but Brooks held on to earn the win. Braeden Leary led the Kondors with 21 points followed by Nolan Lewis with 19 points and Felix Westermann putting up 10 points.
The Kondors currently are 1-3 in league games. They were expected to play one more game before the Christmas break on Thursday against Nanaimo Christian on the road but it was cancelled due to the windostorm that caused power outages in the region.
When league game resumes, the Kondors will host Highland Raiders Jan. 8 at the KSS gym at 7 p.m.
Towhees sink Whalers
The Ballenas Whalers got that sinking feeling when they took on the G.P. Vanier Towhees in Courtenay on Dec. 18. They were unable to overcome the Towhee’s size and strong offense and got trounced 92-43. The scoring for the Whalers was led by Jayden Haftner who netted 15 points with Jacob Stockton banking in eight points.
The Whalers are 0-2 in North Island 3A League games but they have been finding ways to hone their game. They entered the Mark Isfeld Ice Breaker Invitational Tournament earlier this month and played some good games. In their first game, the Whalers took on Timberline Wolves. They led in the first three quarters but faded in the end to lose a close one 79-76. They dropped another game against John Barsby 81-52.
The Whalers also played an exhibition game against Duncan Christian and lost 65-59. Chester Gavero scored 20 points for the Whalers.
The Whalers are hoping to break into the winning column after Christmas when they host Mark Isfeld at Ballenas gym at 7 p.m. on Jan. 8. Both the Kondors and Whalers will also field their senior boys and girls teams at the annual Alberni District Totem 64 Tournament that will take place Jan. 10-12.
The Kondor boys will open against the host Alberni Armada on Jan. 10 at 5:15 p.m. while the Whalers take on Reynolds on Jan. 10 at 10:15 a.m. at the Alberni Athletic Hall.
The Kondor girls play on Jan. 10 at 10:10 a.m. against Windsor while the Whalers girls face Pacific Christian School on Jan. 10 at 1:45 p.m.
